Dear Nanas...

A few weeks ago I received an invitation that insisted on secrecy and simply asked that I hold the date - 16th Feb 2023. I did as it came from Vivienne Westwood's family and was an invitation to the Memorial - then a couple of days before, another mail with a QR code and the location: Southwark Cathedral and time: from 1pm

The invitation made clear it was one person and only the named person... I was so hoping it would say that others could come. So sorry as I know Vivienne mattered and impacted more than me and was a true inspiration as an activist and Honorary Nana.

You may have seen the event in the papers or on TV and I can honestly say ...it was nothing like it seemed. I was seated with other activists, friends & family right at the heart of it and there was no real sense of 'celebrity' - this was a Memorial and it was so much more warm and intimate - more family and activism-focused than the images showed.

It ended with a reading by Vivienne's granddaughter who would have made her so very proud - such dignity and strength. The readings that preceded it, were given by the priest, Vivienne's partner Andreas, her sons Joe and Ben, her friends Helena Bonham Carter and head of Greenpeace John Sauven... each was like an opening into her world that revealed her life as a lover, mother, friend, artist and activist.

I didn't notice or recognise most of the celebs. They had no pride of place and were simply part of the crowd... only really noticable in the paparazzi area outside... inside it felt all-equal and just a lot of folk in crazy, colourful, creative clothes. I said to one woman as we were lining up to leave, that her bag was beautiful. She thanked me then on the news I saw the bag and realised it was Kate Moss... I really feel like I experienced something very different from what the press focused on.

Until arrival, there was no indication of what would happen on the day

I was close to the beautful piano in front of the pulpit and Nick Cave came and sat at it... playing the song that's topped my music lists for years.. INTO MY ARMS. It was so bloody right for right there and then. Then Chrissy Hynde popped up and sang so soft and sweet. A brass band from near Vivienne's hometown were overawed to be playing in this magnificent cathedral - but they were more than a match.

I met Vivienne before Nanas were founded as I was on her Talk Fracking 5-city tour in early 2014 - sleeping on a coach, holding nightly public meetings and spending days doing media and publicity. It was intense, exhausting and fascinating - also a huge help in those early years in getting the message out. We met again that year at Glastonbury but it was her time with Nanas that really impacted and brought her to becoming an Honorary Nana.

Nanas were mentioned during the Memorial and I really wanted to let you know this... that she genuinely cared as we knew she did. Helena Bonham Carter paid tribute to our declaration of war at Cameron's house on a tank and John Sauven head (Greenpeace) spoke of how proud Vivienne was of being in various roles including being an Honorary Nana.

I wished so many more of us could have been there to honour her. I had packed my tabard 'just in case' - lol I tend to keep it nearby a bit like superman and telephone boxes maybe! Anyway... I wasn't going to wear it as it seemed a bit attention-y and it was all about Vivienne. I did though end up popping it on as it felt right.

We couldn't take pics because it was asked that we don't and I was only there for the day so didn't linger. I did though feel I spent the day alongside all of us who admired her and held the wonderful memories close.

The most moving moment of the day was when all of a sudden her delicious voice echoed throughout the Cathedral in a video interview with her brother

Tina xxx

(Nana Queenie)